Children's Books
Children's Discovery Book of Morgan Hill
by Cindy Miller
A Children’s Discovery Book about Morgan Hill, California, by Cynthia Miller, 2010, 64 pages.
This delightful book, for children 5-12 and their parents, includes activities based on natural scenic areas and activity centers in and around Morgan Hill. Informative and fun, find out about Anderson Lake, Coyote Bike Trail, El Toro, Downtown Farmers’ Market, The Grange Hall, the Community and Cultural Center, and the Aquatics Center. You will never again be at a loss for somewhere interesting to take your children, or maybe just yourself! Also included is a list of streets and schools and the people they are named after.
Kwanzaa
by Lisa Herrington
“Kwanzaa”, by Lisa M Herrington
This children's book from the Rookie Read-About Holidays Series describes the origins of Kwanzaa, its symbols and tradition of joyful celebration. Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. It was established in the U.S. in 1966 by an African-American educator named Maulana Karenga, who wanted people to learn about their African heritage. The book describes the seven Kwanzaa principles, one for each day of the holiday. Families decorate their homes in black, red, and green. The color black symbolizes the African people, red is for their struggles, and green stands for hope. The book details the seven meaningful symbols of Kwanzaa, including a mat, corn, fruits and vegetables, a candle holder, seven candles, a cup, and gifts. It also describes how Kwanzaa is celebrated in communities through singing, dancing, playing music, gift giving, and wearing colorful African clothing. Families enjoy meals together and drink from a special cup called the unity cup. Kwanzaa culminates in a big feast on December 31st. This is a wonderful book to read aloud with children (ages 3-6) at bedtime or in the classroom at school.
Book review contributed by Patrice Lyn, Coordinator of the Morgan Hill Historical Society’s Black History Project.
The Children's Book of Kwanzaa
by Dolores Johnson
“The Children's Book of Kwanzaa: A Guide to Celebrating the Holiday” by Dolores Johnson
This lovely, reader-friendly children's book focuses on the history of Africans in America and the celebration of Kwanzaa, which is celebrated annually from December 26th to January 1st. The book explores the seven principles of Kwanzaa and how they are practiced in everyday life; the symbols of Kwanzaa and their use in creating hand-crafted items to celebrate the holiday; Kwanzaa recipes, special programs and preparation tips; and places to buy Kwanzaa items. Dolores Johnson wrote and illustrated this book to educate young readers about Kwanzaa’s place in African American history, including the Civil Rights Movement. Her book describes the Nguzo Saba, or seven Kwanzaa principles, through the lives of notable African Americans. The principles are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination). Ujima (collective responsibility), Ujamaa (collective economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). Johnson also describes the seven symbols of Kwanzaa harvest festival tradition: the mat, candle holder, seven candles, crops basket, corn, gifts, and the unity cup. Johnson writes about traditional foods served during Kwanzaa such as Roast Beef and Candied Sweet Potatoes, Black-eyed Peas and Rice, and Tuna Sesame Salad. She also provides recommendations of art
supply stores nationwide. With this book, you and your children (or grandchildren) can enjoy learning and participating in Kwanzaa traditions together.
Book review contributed by Patrice Lyn, Coordinator of the Morgan Hill Historical Society’s Black History Project.
Live in Morgan Hill? Check the Morgan Hill Public Library or to purchase, order from your local indie book seller, BookSmart of Morgan Hill.